OU to host cultural lecture featuring Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant
The Oakland University Student Congress, along with generous support from the Office of the President, will host Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf for a stimulating discussion of cultural issues, focusing on the relationship between the Islamic world and the West. Titled “A New Vision for Islam in America,” the lecture will highlight the need to reclaim Islam from an atmosphere of myth, fear and suspicion.
It represents an ideal opportunity to advance the university’s commitment to intellectual openness, according to Emilia Allen, OUSC multicultural affairs director.
“Hosting this event is important because it initiates a dialogue that has not received a lot of attention,” Allen said. “Academia is the perfect place to have a respectful conversation about interfaith issues.”
Imam Feisal is the founder and chairman of the Cordoba Initiative, a multi-faith and multi-national project dedicated to promoting peace between Islamic and Western communities. In 1997, he founded the American Society for Muslim Advancement, the first Muslim organization committed to bringing American Muslims and non-Muslims together through programs in academia, policy and culture.
Additionally, Imam Feisal serves on the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of New York and acts as an advisor to the Interfaith Center of New York. As Imam of Masjid Al-Farah, a mosque located near Ground Zero in New York City, he advocates for understanding between people of all creeds.
He is the author of several thought-provoking books, including “Islam: A Search for Meaning,” “Islam: A Sacred Law (What Every Muslim Should Know About the Sharia),” and “What's Right With Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and The West,” which was ranked among the top five books of 2004 by the Christian Science Monitor.
He has shared his expertise through prominent media outlets, such as the BBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Frontline and Foreign Policy. Along with being named to the 2011 TIME magazine 100 list of the world's most influential people, he also has appeared before the Council on Foreign Relations and at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Free and open to the public, the event will take place from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Meadow Brook Theatre, located on Oakland University's campus. Tickets are available at the Center for Student Activities Service Window, located in room 49 on the lower level of the Oakland Center.
For more information, contact Oakland University's Student Congress at (248) 370-4294.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf will present a lecture on cultural issues, focusing on the relationship between the Islamic world and the West, set for Nov. 16.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Thursday, November 10, 2011 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Thursday, November 10, 2011 Article Start Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011
